In a shocking incident in Lehigh Acres, Florida, a 16-year-old Shih Tzu named Xyla found herself at the center of a heartbreaking story of neglect and abuse.

After the unfortunate death of her owners, Xyla was subject to an act of cruelty that shocked the community.

Photo: Facebook / Lee County Sheriff's Office
Xyla was discovered abandoned in a dumpster, stuffed in a trash bag.

A Disheartening Discovery

On December 14, employees at a Family Dollar store made a distressing discovery. Inside a trash bag in the store's dumpster, they found Xyla, wrapped and discarded like common garbage, WDBO reports. The dog was alive but in a vulnerable state, with a rope tied around her neck.

This act of abandonment was not just heartless but also criminal, and it sparked immediate action from the store's employees and local law enforcement.

Photo: Facebook / Lee County Sheriff's Office
Anthony Bellman, a relative of Xyla's owners, was arrested in connection to her abandonment.

The Rescue and Recovery of Xyla

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the employees rushed Xyla to Blue Pearl Pet Hospital. According to WANE 15, the microchip identified her and revealed the recent passing of her owners. Despite her age and impaired vision, Xyla was in relatively good health, a testament to her resilience in the face of such adversity【6†source】.

The Investigation and Arrest

The Lee County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation, which included reviewing surveillance footage. The footage showed a suspect, later identified as 55-year-old Anthony Bellman, arriving at the dumpster in a blue minivan. He was seen removing a bag, believed to contain Xyla, from the trunk of his vehicle and callously tossing it into the dumpster, TMZ reports.

Photo: Facebook / Lee County Sheriff's Office
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation into Xyla's abandonment.

This evidence led to Bellman's arrest at his home, where he was charged with aggravated animal cruelty.

Bellman reportedly attempted to euthanize Xyla himself before abandoning her, as he found the idea of taking her to a clinic too distressing, reports the Daily Mail. Ironically, his actions put Xyla in even greater danger and ultimately led to his arrest.

Photo: Facebook / Lee County Sheriff's Office
Xyla is now on the road to recovery.

Xyla's Road to Recovery

Following her rescue, Xyla was taken into the care of Lee County Domestic Animal Services, CBS 42 reports. Under their supervision, she began her journey to recovery, with the hope of finding a new home where she could spend her remaining years surrounded by love and care.

Impact and Legal Consequences

This case highlights the pressing issue of animal cruelty and the importance of community vigilance. As Wink News reports, Sheriff Carmine Marceno emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating that such acts of cruelty will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Bellman's actions also landed him on the Lee County Animal Abuser Registry, a tool designed to prevent future instances of animal abuse.

See more in the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qubPvj__aKE?feature=share

Xyla's story is a poignant reminder of the responsibility we have towards our animal companions, especially in their time of need. Her ordeal sheds light on the darker side of human nature but also celebrates the compassion and quick action of those who intervened to save her.

As she recovers and awaits a new family, we hope Xyla's story continues to resonate with animal lovers everywhere, a symbol of both vulnerability and hope in the face of adversity.

Click below to take the pledge to protect pets and people from abuse. Together we can change the lives of women across the country by allowing them to bring their furry companions with them in a time of need.